To get a mockumentary right, first I needed to decide what it the actual documentary going to be about so that I can mock it, because if I look at mockumentaries like The Office (UK and US versions), Modern Family, Parks and Recreation or what we do in the shadows (which are going to be my case studies as well); they are set up in very unusual places and the characters are very conscious of the camera when it is around so it leads to them create humorous situations.
The Office (US version)
As you can see in the video, Dwight is using the camera crew as a plot device for his disastrous plan. He tells the crew what he is about to do i.e., giving a fire safety drill. Which eventually backfires and leads to one humorous after another (One of the best series episodes as well). A risky move on his part, but seeing the camera crew is what gave Dwight courage to do such a crime.
The Office (UK version)
This is a perfect example of when a human becomes aware of the camera and acts in a different manner e.g., in this case Brent is doing an employee evaluation and acts in a very sophisticated manner to sound smart on camera and this leads to a very awkward banter for Keith (who is less conscious of the camera and more focused on the task at hand).
What we do in the shadows
The comedic style in What We Do in the Shadows flips between self-aggrandizing and self-effacement. These vampires believe that they’re superior to humans, though the story constantly proves that they’re not half as intelligent or responsible. Well, except Nadja — unless her perennially reincarnating human lover, Gregor, is involved.
Seinfeld started the trend of “No hugging, no learning,” which forms the basis of several modern TV comedies. It implies that sitcom characters shouldn’t waste time on emotional development when they could be making audiences cringe-laugh, instead. The characters in What We Do in the Shadows mock and insult each other non-stop, but the show still manages to evoke heartfelt responses from viewers.
Hence, when it comes to children, they are going to be acting like how they are regardless of the camera. So either I change the concept a bit or design characters that fit this narrative device. Why not do both?
I thought why not add a character that has a knack for film making and decides to make a documentary on his school adventures and the characters could be of different ethnicity who over act in front of the camera.
One that can be noticed is that, the mockumentary format has a very guerrilla style film making and instead of steady cams they use handheld ones. It will be an interesting thing to create in animation.
References
The Office. 2000. [Film] Directed by Ricky Geravis, Stephen Merchant. UK: BBC.
The Office. 2005. [Film] Directed by Greg Daniels. USA: NBC.
What We Do In The Shadows. 2019. [Film] Directed by Jemaine Clement. New Zeeland: FX.
Arsalan Awais 